SINCE THERE ARE NO FEDERAL requirements for security officer
training, some states have taken the initiative in instituting their
own. Certain states, such as North Dakota and Oklahoma, have taken the
responsibility quite seriously; others have not. Have a look and see if
your state is aiding in-or neglecting-the professionalization of
today's security officers. The following training requirements are
reprinted with permission from The Security Letter Source Book,
1990-1991. The Source Book is published by Security Letter and
distributed by Butterworth-Heinemann, 80 Montvale Ave., Stoneham, MA
02180. The list was compiled by, Robert McCrie, CPP, publisher/editor;
Diane Botnick, associate editor; and Fulvia Madia, editorial assistant.

None required for unarmed. Armed: four hours of classroom and range
qualification; instruction to include firearms techniques, safety, and
laws on use of deadly force. Minimum qualification score of 75 percent
for practical police course or tactical revolver course, shotgun
familiarization course if used. New Jersey

None required for unarmed. Armed: number of hours of training not
specified. New Mexico

None required. Bills now in committee would require training for
armed and unarmed guards. North Carolina

None for unarmed guards. Armed: four hours of classroom training by
certified trainer on legal limits on handgun use, knowledge of act,
range firing, and procedure and safety. Must fire 70 percent score on
approved target course. Annual renewal includes complete refresher
course and requalification on prescribed range firing. Guard agencies or
in-house departments may qualify as training institutions if programs
include required courses taught by approved instructors. North Dakota

Three levels:

Apprentice: Minimum 16 hours of classroom instruction on security
services, first aid, and other training employer deems necessary for
assignment. Minimum 16 hours of field training under supervision of
qualified security officer before working unsupervised.

Security officer: After 1,000 hours and before 2,000 hours as
active apprentice, individual applies for registration as private
security officer that is contingent on training-32 hours of classroom
instruction, which includes required curriculum and other training
employer deems necessary.

None required for unarmed guards. Armed: as of 1986, must
satisfactorily complete firearms basic training program, including 20
hours of handgun training and five hours of training in use of other
firearms if used or authorized equivalent training or former peace
officer training. Must requalify annually on firearms range. Oklahoma

Private security division's motto: "Professionalism
Through Training." Second only to North Dakota in length of
training. Three courses of instruction:

Model programs provided in rules. Unarmed: 12 hours of training
prior to application-minimum six hours of classroom instruction, six
hours of on-the-job training working unarmed and accompanied by licensed
guard. Armed: 12 hours of preassignment training as for unarmed guard.
Twelve hours of firearms instruction with certificate as proof: four
hours of classroom, eight hours of range experience with weapon to be
used on duty. Must pass range test with 70 percent score. Renewal: eight
hours of in-service training and same firearm instruction as required
for original license. Vermont

None required for unarmed. Armed: 16 hours of preassignment
classroom instruction program to stress safe and proper use and handling
of firearms and dogs, legal responsibility for improper or negligent use
of either. NRA-approved police combat or security firing course using
silhouette targets. Dog handlers: 16 hours of classroom and practical
exercise training, additional four hours of firearm training if armed.
Training waived with proof of equivalent training elsewhere. Virginia